Microlens Image Sensor Array for Compact Stereo Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses for stereo photography are bulky, complex, and impractical due to the need for multiple cameras or polarizing filters, leading to issues with light loss, precise positioning requirements, and difficulties in capturing moving subjects or 2D images.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with an array of first and second image sensor units, each including a microlens and multiple image sensors, where an inter-unit light shielding layer is used to separate the image sensor units, allowing for compact, simple configuration and natural stereoscopic effects without the need for additional polarizing filters or precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two video cameras are used for stereo photography, then stereo images can be captured simultaneously, but the apparatus becomes bulky and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate video cameras into a single imaging apparatus by using one camera with multiple image sensors (first and second image sensors) positioned at different locations. This allows simultaneous capture of stereo images while maintaining a compact apparatus size, directly resolving the contradiction between stereo capture capability and apparatus bulkiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging function by dividing a single camera into multiple image sensors (first image sensor and second image sensor) that are positioned at different locations. Each sensor captures images from its specific position, enabling stereo photography without requiring two complete camera systems, thus reducing apparatus volume while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a shared optical system with polarization filter is used for stereo photography, then lens system adjustment becomes easier, but light loss occurs and the apparatus remains complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the polarization filter from the optical system, replacing it with a mechanical positioning approach where the first and second image sensors are positioned at different locations to capture stereo images. This eliminates the light loss associated with polarization filters while maintaining ease of operation through a shared optical system without complex optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared optical system in the patent serves multiple functions: it provides a common lens for both the first and second image sensors, enabling both sensors to utilize the same optical path without requiring separate lenses or polarization filters. This multi-functional approach reduces light loss and simplifies the apparatus while maintaining ease of adjustment.
3Reliability
If two lenses are used for stereo photography, then each lens can be optimized for its position, but the apparatus becomes complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical systems by using a single shared lens that serves both the first and second image sensors. This eliminates the complexity and bulkiness of having two separate lenses while maintaining image quality through the shared optical path, directly resolving the contradiction between image quality and apparatus complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens in the patent performs multiple functions by capturing light for both the first image sensor and the second image sensor. This universal optical component reduces device complexity and apparatus structure while maintaining the ability to capture high-quality stereo images, addressing the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
4Measurement precision
If precise positioning of components is required for stereo photography, then image alignment is improved, but manufacturing and assembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the first and second image sensors at predetermined positions during the manufacturing process, establishing their relative positions in advance. This preliminary positioning action ensures proper image alignment while simplifying assembly, as the sensors are pre-positioned rather than requiring complex adjustment during final assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a compact, monocular imaging apparatus that can capture both stereo and 2D images efficiently, reducing light loss and complexity while maintaining natural stereoscopic effects and avoiding the need for precise positioning of components.
Implementation Method 1
a first microlens and a plurality of image sensors... light passing through the imaging lens and reaching each first image sensor unit passes through the first microlens and forms an image on the plurality of image sensors
Implementation Method 2
Each image sensor includes a photoelectric transducer
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus including (A) an imaging lens; and (B) an image sensor array in which a plurality of image sensor units are arrayed, wherein, a single image sensor unit includes a single microlens and a plurality of image sensors light passing through the imaging lens and reaching each image sensor unit passes through the microlens and forms an image on the plurality of image sensors constituting the image sensor unit, an inter-unit light shielding layer is formed between the image sensor units themselves, and a light shielding layer is not formed between the image sensor units which constitute the image sensor unit.